The newest chapter in New Line Cinema’s bloody successful franchise takes audiences back to the very beginning of Death’s twisted sense of justice—“Final Destination Bloodlines.”

Plagued by a violent recurring nightmare, college student Stefanie heads home to track down the one person who might be able to break the cycle and save her family from the grisly demise that inevitably awaits them all.

“Final Destination Bloodlines” stars Kaitlyn Santa Juana, Teo Briones, Richard Harmon, Owen Patrick Joyner, Rya Kihlstedt, Anna Lore, with Brec Bassinger, and Tony Todd.

The film is directed by Adam Stein & Zach Lipovsky. The screenplay is by Guy Busick & Lori Evans Taylor, and story is by Jon Watts and Guy Busick & Lori Evans Taylor. It is based on characters created by Jeffrey Reddick.

“Final Destination Bloodlines” is produced by Craig Perry, Sheila Hanahan Taylor, Jon Watts, Dianne McGunigle and Toby Emmerich. The executive producers are David Siegel, Warren Zide, Pete Chiappetta, Andrew Lary and Anthony Tittanegro.

The behind-the-camera talent includes director of photography is Christian Sebaldt and production designer Rachel O’Toole. The film is edited by Sabrina Pitre. The music is by Tim Wynn, and the music supervisor is Andrea Von Foerster. The visual effects supervisor is Nordin Rahhali. The costumes are designed by Michelle Hunter. The casting is by Rich Delia and Tiffany Mak.

New Line Cinema presents, In Association with Domain Entertainment, A Practical Pictures / Freshman Year / Fireside Films Production: “Final Destination Bloodlines.”

The film will be distributed in theatres and IMAX worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures, in theatres only nationwide on May 16, 2025.

We are thrilled to give our Readers in Toronto a chance to win passes to the Toronto Premiere of NORTH OF NORTH! The first two episodes will be shown at this event taking place Tuesday, February 11, 2025 at TIFF Lightbox.

About NORTH OF NORTH |

A young Inuk woman wants to build a new future for herself after a spontaneous — and extremely public — exit from her marriage. But it won’t be easy in a small Arctic town where everybody knows your business.

To enter for a chance to win, click “like” on this Post at MR. WILL ON FACEBOOK.

Rules and regulations here.

NORTH OF NORTH airs Tuesdays in Canada on CBC Gem starting at 9 a.m. ET, followed by broadcast on CBC TV at 9 p.m. (9:30 NT) local time and 9 p.m. ET on APTN. Series arrives soon on Netflix.

(Photo/video credit: CBC)

Mokable, the groundbreaking culinary creation made from micro-ground coffee beans, is about to disrupt the food industry as an innovative product that can be used with great versatility across the food and beverage space as an ingredient, enjoyed on its own or as a chocolate alternative. Born in Japan and proudly crowned the winner of the prestigious 2024 JFEX Innovation Award, Mokable is not just a product; it’s a movement that embraces flavour, craftsmanship, and sustainability.

Mokable officially kicks off the North American launch in Toronto —just ahead of Valentine’s week, the peak of chocolate indulgence. Mokable (branded as “CAFEXLATE” in Japan) will be available at select restaurants and bars for the first time in North America.

Mokable: A Game Changer in Gastronomy

Mokable (pronounced “Moke-Ah-Bull”) tackles two pressing issues head-on: the inefficient use of coffee beans and the sustainability challenges within the coffee industry. Traditional coffee preparation discards up to 70% of its aroma and flavour. Mokable aims to change that narrative.

Mokable transforms whole coffee beans into a much more palatable micro-ground form that captures every rich note and aromatic nuance. By blending premium specialty coffee beans with cocoa butter, Mokable achieves a smooth, versatile texture that shines in both sweet and savoury dishes and cocktails.

“We are so excited to introduce Mokable to North America. We launched in Japan in June and we have been overwhelmed by the positive reception and overwhelming demand already,” says Akinori Itoyama, founder of Mokable.

An Ethical Choice for a Sustainable Future

Mokable isn’t just a delicious choice; it’s also a champion of sustainability. By sourcing beans from small farmers in Nicaragua and Ethiopia, Mokable supports ethical practices that empower underpaid coffee producers, ensuring fair compensation and fostering local economies. The brand proudly collaborates with women-led farms in Nicaragua, celebrating the strength and resilience of women in agriculture.

Mokable debuts with two exquisite flavours: Roasted and Fruity

ROASTED: Sourced from Nicaragua’s Santa Ana Farm, renowned for its UTZ certification and hand-picked cherries, this blend boasts deep roasted notes and a rich, full-bodied flavour.

FRUITY: Featuring Yirgacheffe G1 beans from Ethiopia’s small-scale farms, this flavour embodies vibrant fruity and floral notes, cultivated with sustainable practices and natural processing methods.

A Culinary Adventure Awaits in Toronto

Toronto celebrated for its culinary diversity and innovative gastronomy, is the first North American city to showcase Mokable. From February 3–16, 2025, MICHELIN-starred/recommended, and award-winning chefs and mixologists will feature Mokable in unique dishes, desserts, and cocktails at some of the city’s most acclaimed venues.

As Mokable is not yet available for retail purchase, this exclusive Toronto debut presents an unparalleled opportunity for culinary enthusiasts. Guests who order a Mokable dish or cocktail at participating venues may even receive a limited complimentary sample.

Where gourmands can try Mokable for the first time in North America

Lucie
A MICHELIN-recommended restaurant helmed by chef de cuisine Arnaud Bloquel, Lucie is known for its refined cuisine and exceptional dining experiences, blending French techniques with global influences.

“Mokable offers an unparalleled opportunity to explore the full potential of coffee beans. It’s a thrill to share this innovation with Toronto’s dynamic food scene,” says Arnaud Bloquel, the chef de cuisine of Lucie. Born in France and raised in the Caribbean, Bloquel trained under celebrated chefs at renowned establishments such as Hôtel du Palais and La Chèvre d’Or in France. He has been recognized as the Best Master Restaurateur in France and has earned accolades for his unique and innovative culinary style.

As part of Mokable’s North American launch, Bloquel has created an appetizer called Le Champignon. A celebration of umami, the dish features mushroom duxelles, an espuma of Armagnac and shiitake, a rich porcini consommé, and freshly grated Fruity Mokable. Bloquel’s Le Champignon appetizer featuring Mokable will be on the menu at Lucie from February 3–16.

“Mokable offers an unparalleled opportunity to explore the full potential of coffee beans. It’s a thrill to share this innovation with Toronto’s dynamic food scene,” says Arnaud Bloquel, the chef de cuisine of Lucie. Born in France and raised in the Caribbean, Bloquel trained under celebrated chefs at renowned establishments such as Hôtel du Palais and La Chèvre d’Or in France. He has been recognized as the Best Master Restaurateur in France and has earned accolades for his unique and innovative culinary style.

As part of Mokable’s North American launch, Bloquel has created an appetizer called Le Champignon. A celebration of umami, the dish features mushroom duxelles, an espuma of Armagnac and shiitake, a rich porcini consommé, and freshly grated Fruity Mokable. Bloquel’s Le Champignon appetizer featuring Mokable will be on the menu at Lucie from February 3–16.

Lucie’s beverage director, Raimey Bristowe, is a fine-dining hospitality professional who studied viticulture, winemaking, and mixology. His passion for the culinary arts is reflected in his cocktail development. Guests will enjoy Holy Molé, a cocktail inspired by the flavour profile of Roasted Mokable, reminiscent of a Mexican molé. Crafted with a housemade Mokable molé liqueur, Blanco tequila, mezcal, and fresh lemon juice, the Holy Molé illustrates Bristowe’s reputation for crafting inventive, elegant cocktails that balance technical precision with artistic flair.

“The depth of flavour in Mokable challenges us to push the boundaries of mixology, crafting drinks that inspire and surprise,” he says. Raimey Bristowe and the team at Lucie will offer Holy Molé, a cocktail made with Mokable from February 3–16.

Miku
As the flagship Toronto location for the MICHELIN-recommended Miku Vancouver, Miku shares the same spirit of innovation as Mokable. Miku is known for its Aburi (flame-seared) sushi and contemporary Japanese cuisine and has become a cornerstone of Toronto’s dining scene for the past 10 years. Executive Pastry Chef Aiko Uchigoshi’s Mokable creation, Kohi Mame (starting from the bottom to the top), has the base of a flourless sponge cake with Roasted Mokable, served with Hojicha crème brulee, hazelnut cookie crumbles, Wasanbon ice cream, Kuromitsu sauce, and Fruity Mokable in two forms: plaque and a dusting of frozen powder. Uchigoshi’s decadent but balanced Kohi Mame dessert will be available on the Miku menu from February 3–16 while quantities last.

Executive Pastry Chef Aiko Uchigoshi
“As a Japanese chef, bringing an innovation like Mokable to Toronto is deeply meaningful, as I started my pastry journey in Japan. Its versatility and depth create endless possibilities,” says pastry chef Aiko Uchigoshi.

Uchigoshi has won multiple awards in sugar and cake competitions, including first place for three consecutive years in a prestigious competition for pastry chefs under 23. She is also currently the Executive Pastry Chef for one-MICHELIN-star restaurant Aburi Hana, the sister restaurant to Miku.

Bar Pompette
Rated the top bar in Canada and celebrated for its sophisticated cocktails, Bar Pompette consistently pushes the boundaries of flavour and creativity. Ranked No. 1 in Canada’s 100 Best and No. 15 on North America’s 50 Best Bars 2023, Bar Pompette is also the recipient of the Disaronno Highest New Entry Award.

Starting as a chef at seven different kitchens in France, he was fascinated with culinary excellence. Togni later fell in love with the art of mixology and moved to Toronto. Co-founder of award-winning cocktail bar, Bar Pompette, Hugo Togni appreciates the unique qualities of Mokable.

“Mokable’s unique characteristics allow us to reimagine classic cocktail flavours, creating a truly one-of-a-kind experience. Without Mokable, I would not be able to create my cocktail with the flavour profiles I have in this drink,” says Togni.

Togni’s Chaudkan features Suntory Toki Whisky, notes of pumpkin, maple syrup, and yuzu, with a Fruity Mokable foam garnished with gold flakes and cornflower petals. Bar Pompette’s exclusive Chaudkan Mokable cocktail will only be available February 13–14.

Vinoteca Pompette and Bakery Pompette
Known for its rich French influence, Bakery Pompette is one of Toronto’s finest French bakeries with pure butter croissants, baguettes, pastries and specialty coffee.

Sister property to the Bakery Pompette and Bar Pompette along the same street is Vinoteca Pompette presenting a fresh twist of Italian classics infused with French influences. Bakery Pompette’s Mokable feature will debut with the launch of Vinoteca Café (daytime menu).

Bauer has crafted a Mokable-inspired Financier with her team at Bakery Pompette in celebration of the innovative ingredient’s North American launch. Piped with Fruity Mokable and garnished with edible flecks of gold, the Mokable Financier is a take on the traditional French almond cake—an ideal canvas for Mokable.

“Mokable’s rich roasted notes are a perfect complement to pastry, offering new dimensions in texture and taste,” says Bauer.

Included as part of Vinoteca Pompette’s lunch service from February 5–16, diners can enjoy the dessert from Wednesday to Sunday while indulging in their new daytime offerings.

W HOTEL TORONTO
W Toronto, the luxury boutique hotel part of the MICHELIN Guide Hotels, offers Torontonians an authentic experience with their Skylight Rooftop Bar & Restaurant located on their 9th floor with stunning city lights and Mediterranean-inspired dishes with seasonal ingredients that bring the vibrant flavours of the coast to life.

For a delight in decadent bites, served with elegance, Living Room Restaurant & Bar offers an unparalleled blend of live music performances, weekly DJ sets, and signature experiences like High Beau-Tea, the hotel’s beauty-inspired twist on the classic afternoon tea.

Executive chef Olivier Le Calvez and his Mokable feature, Amour Espresso

Executive chef Olivier Le Calvez
“Mokable is a representation of my love for coffee, it captures the full essence of coffee beans and I was so excited to work with this product. It was easily integrated into my offering at W Toronto,” says executive chef Olivier Le Calvez.

W Toronto, a destination for luxury dining, blends global inspiration with Toronto’s vibrant culinary scene. Le Calvez, originally from Mexico, has decades of experience working with renowned chefs like Joël Robuchon and Paul Bocuse.

Le Calvez is thrilled to serve Amour Espresso with tiramisu cream, and ladyfinger cookies, glazed with Roasted Mokable at Skylight Rooftop Bar & Restaurant. Indulge in Le Calvez’s Mokable feature, Amour Espresso from February 9-16th.

Head Mixologist Olivia Arezes
Those enjoying Valentine’s Dinner at Skylight can also experience Mokable as a cocktail. Developed through the vision of beverage manager and mixologist Olivia Arezes, with over 20 years of experience, the Certified Sommelier (The Court of Master Sommeliers) has crafted a Mokable Martini, which features Fruity Mokable fat-washed vodka, creme de cacao blanc, Licor 43, and Aztec chocolate bitters, garnished with a Fruity Mokable covered strawberry.Mokable Martini will be featured in both Skylight Rooftop Restaurant & Bar and Living Room Restaurant & Bar from February 3-16.

DaNico
Proudly awarded one-MICHELIN-star this year, DaNico redefines modern Italian cuisine with global flavours and seamlessly blends modern Italian culinary traditions with world-class service, unparalleled hospitality, and an exquisite, custom-designed ambiance.
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Executive chef Daniele Corona and his Mokable feature, Save The Coffee

Chef Daniele Corona is the first and only Italian chef in Canada to earn one-MICHELIN-star in two restaurants in Toronto. During his leadership at Don Alfonso 1890, Corona’s exceptional talent earned him a prestigious one-MICHELIN-star, and now DaNico has garnered the same esteemed recognition. Corona has perfected his craft at the prestigious I.P.S.E.O.A. Duca Di Buonvicino Culinary Institute and honed his skills at Trussardi alla Scala in Milan.

Partnering with Corona’s pastry chef, Nikhil Londhe, DaNico will be offering a new dessert feature, “Save the Coffee” which features Itakuja namelaka a fabulous cross between a ganache and a crème pâtissière, Jivara soft caramel, finished with Fruity Mokable crunch with cocoa.
For a limited time only, indulge in “Save the Coffee” from February 3-16.

The Visionary Behind the Innovation
Akinori Itoyama, founder of Mokable, brings a unique blend of expertise to the table. Holding a doctorate in molecular biology from the Graduate School of Systems Life Sciences at Kyushu University, Itoyama’s career has been marked by innovation. At Suntory Holdings Limited, he honed his skills in product development for iconic coffee beverages like “BOSS,” as well as R&D strategy planning and new business development. With twelve years at Suntory Holdings Limited and his time in the coffee industry, he was inspired to dive further into research and development for sustainability. Thus, Mokable was born.

Through Suntory’s internal venture program, Itoyama conceived a groundbreaking concept to consume the whole coffee bean recognizing the significant amount of coffee grounds traditionally discarded in the coffee industry. By merging his molecular biology expertise with a commitment to sustainability, Itoyama collaborated with 01Booster Inc. to bring Mokable to life.

A Historic Moment
Mokable is more than a new ingredient; it launches an entirely new product category. It represents an innovative fusion of sustainability, craftsmanship, and culinary excellence. With Toronto, as the first city in North America to explore this revolutionary product, diners have the unique opportunity to savour world-class chefs and mixologists’ bold creativity and artistry.

Through these incredible collaborations, Toronto diners will be the first in North America to taste Mokable. This debut is not just an introduction—it’s a bold foray into the future.

Visit these incredible venues in Toronto to experience Mokable in February. For more information on Mokable’s launch and sustainability story, visit their Instagram @mokable_na, and their website, https://cafexlate.jp/ (branded as CAFEXLATE in Japan).

Cobra Kai Season 6 Part 3 premieres globally February 13, 2025 only on Netflix. Today we get a new Trailer!

After a shocking result in the Sekai Taikai, Miyagi-Do and Cobra Kai must reckon with their pasts while facing an uncertain future both on and off the mat. Almost 40 years after the events of the 1984 All Valley Karate Tournament, it’s all been leading to this.

ABOUT COBRA KAI: The Finale Event / Part 3 Premiere Date: February 13, 2025 Part 3 Synopsis: After a shocking result in the Sekai Taikai, Miyagi-Do and Cobra Kai must reckon with their pasts while facing an uncertain future both on and off the mat. Almost 40 years after the events of the 1984 All Valley Karate Tournament, it’s all been leading to this.

Series Synopsis: COBRA KAI takes place over 30 years after the events of the 1984 All Valley Karate Tournament with the continuation of the inescapable conflict between Daniel LaRusso (Ralph Macchio) and Johnny Lawrence (William Zabka). The first five seasons are now streaming with the series set to return for a sixth and final season.

MORE ABOUT THE SERIES:
Producers: Cobra Kai is written and executive produced by Josh Heald, Jon Hurwitz and Hayden Schlossberg via their production company, Counterbalance Entertainment. Will Smith, James Lassiter and Caleeb Pinkett executive produce for Westbrook Studios along with Susan Ekins in association with Sony Pictures Television. Ralph Macchio and William Zabka also serve as executive producers.
Cast: Ralph Macchio (Daniel LaRusso), William Zabka (Johnny Lawrence), Martin Kove (John Kreese), Xolo Maridueña (Miguel Diaz), Jacob Bertrand (Hawk), Mary Mouser (Samantha LaRusso), Tanner Buchanan (Robby Keene), Peyton List (Tory), Gianni Decenzo (Demetri), Courtney Henggeler (Amanda LaRusso), Vanessa Rubio (Carmen), Dallas Dupree Young (Kenny), Yuji Okumoto (Chozen), Alicia Hannah-Kim (Sensei Kim Dae-Un), Griffin Santopietro (Anthony), Oona O’Brien (Devon), Lewis Tan (Sensei Wolf), Patrick Luwis (Axel Kovacevic) and Rayna Vallandingham (Zara Malik)

Starbucks Canada have just announced their upcoming Valentines 2025 menu, plus also a new line of Blackberry Refreshers!

The Blackberry Sage Refreshers: Leaning into the moody vibe of the season with a brand-new Refresher on the Starbucks winter menu brings a sweet and savoury taste to the iconic Refreshers line-up. Made with green coffee extract the Blackberry Sage Refresher, Blackberry Sage Lemonade Refresher and Midnight Drink pair the fruity flavours of sweet blackberries with herbaceous and earthy sage – to bring a balanced beverage in a bold, new hue.

Colder moments were the inspiration for the new Blackberry Sage Refresher. “During the winter months, we found that customers want something refreshing, yet balanced,” said Billy Altieri, lead beverage developer for Starbucks.

• Blackberry Sage Refresher & Blackberry Sage Lemonade Refresher: The Blackberry Sage Refresher features flavours of sweet blackberries paired with notes of sage shaken with ice green coffee extract and an inclusion of dried blackberries with a dusting of sage. Blackberry Sage Lemonade Refresher brightens the beverage with lemonade for a sweet-tart crispness.
• Midnight Drink: Midnight drink features flavours of sweet blackberries and sage with green coffee extract and blackberry inclusions mixed with coconut beverage and shaken with ice.

The new Refresher beverages are available in stores in Canada on February 4, 2025 for a limited time, while supplies last.

Valentine’s Day Sips: Starbucks is also bringing back some crush-worthy beverages just in time for Valentine’s Day, available for a limited time while supplies last:

• The Chocolate Hazelnut Cookie Cold Brew is made with Starbucks® Cold Brew, sweetened with notes of hazelnut and topped with silky chocolate cream cold foam and mocha cookie crumble topping.  
• The Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Crème Frappuccino Blended Beverage is a take on the beloved Valentine’s Day dessert, with swirls of strawberry puree blended with Frappuccino® chips,  milk and ice, layered on top of a splash of strawberry puree and finished with vanilla whipped cream to deliver a frosty, delicious treat inspired by our love of chocolate-covered strawberries.

Customers can enjoy any of their favourite beverages using Valentine’s inspired drinkware that also makes for an enchanting gift for a loved one. This line of merchandise embraces a retro feel with pretty pixilated heart designs.

Valentine’s Day Cold Cup (24 oz)

Fall in love at first sip with this sleek cold cup featuring pink and red heart patterns.

Price: $32.95

Hot Pink Heart Tumbler with Charm (12 oz)

Show all the love with this standout heart tumbler, featuring a vibrant hot pink color with a glossy finish, complete with a matching heart-shaped charm.

Price: $38.95

Pink Floral Cold Cup with Straw Topper (24 oz)

Floral and fun, this pink, flower-patterned cold cup and matching straw topper is sure to impress any cold beverage craver.

Price: $35.95

There will be plenty of fireworks again at the turn of the year. For our pets, this means pure stress. Here you can find out how to get your dog through New Year’s Eve safely.

Fireworks, rockets, sparklers: for animals, this means pure stress. For many years, animal welfare organizations and associations have been drawing attention to the fact that fireworks are not only harmful to the environment, but also to wild animals and our pets. For dogs and cats in particular, the turn of the year is therefore anything but a cool party – but a burden that is associated with stress, fear and sometimes even panic. It is more chill to just enjoy the online casino in Canada with your dog.

Dogs have a much finer sense of hearing and a better sense of smell than humans. For them, New Year’s Eve with its bright rockets, exploding firecrackers and the extreme smells of fireworks is an absolute sensory overload.

Less stress for your dog – these tricks will help

Dogs on New Year’s Eve: last-minute tips against the fear of fireworks

A familiar favorite spot plus a master or mistress nearby is the best way for dogs to get through New Year’s Eve. The following applies to New Year’s Eve: with gentle sounds, good hiding places and a few tips and tricks, you can make the turn of the year bearable for your dog – without having to flee to a lonely mountain hut:

You should be prepared for the fact that setting off fireworks is not limited to a few hours around the turn of the year. The fireworks usually start one or two days before New Year’s Eve and continue to be set off even after the start of the new year.

It’s better not to let your dog off the lead on the days around New Year’s Eve. “Many an otherwise well-behaved dog has panicked and run away on New Year’s Eve because of a sudden bang – that’s why it makes sense to keep your dog on a lead around New Year’s Eve”, explains Sigrid Faust-Schmidt from the State Animal Welfare Association of Hesse.

It is important that your dog wears a tag with your contact details. That way, if it runs away, it can be brought home again quickly.

Close the shutters and curtains to protect your pet from bright light and noise.

Play music or the radio in your home to calm and distract your pet from the noise outside. The familiar sound of the dishwasher or washing machine can also be helpful. Avoid too much noise, however, as this will cause additional stress for your dog.

Don’t leave your dog alone on New Year’s Eve and don’t go outside with him during the fireworks.

It is best to walk your dog during the day, preferably in a quiet forest. The more tired he is on New Year’s Eve, the better!

If your dog wants to be close to you, stroke him and stay by his side.

Give your dog the opportunity to find a safe place to retreat to. Animals that are used to a crate often like to lie down in this safe cave. If your dog hides under the bed or sofa, don’t leave him there alone.

When walking your dog on the days after New Year’s Eve, look out for broken glass, garbage and any unexploded bombs.

Of course, it is very important not to set off any firecrackers, rockets etc. yourself.

New Year’s Eve with a dog: stay cool and relaxed yourself

The most important tip is to stay relaxed yourself and signal to your dog that everything is fine. Dogs are strongly influenced by the mood of their humans: If you are restless or anxious yourself, this is quickly transferred to your four-legged friend. “If the owners are nearby and unconcerned, it is easier for the animals to deal with the unfamiliar, possibly curse-inducing background noise with less stress,” explains Sigrid Faust-Schmidt. “You shouldn’t feel sorry for the dog,” advises dog trainer Chris Maron. “Because that would show him that the situation is unusual and that you yourself are worried.”

Important: You should not lure a dog that is hiding out of its hiding place. Don’t ignore dogs that are looking for attention, but give them a cuddle if they want one.

By Mr. Will Wong

We’ve gotten a little breather from the Marvel Cinematic Universe, but big things are expected of Marvel’s CAPTAIN AMERICA: BRAVE NEW WORLD, the first big movie event of 2025. In this installment, Sam Wilson (Anthony Mackie) offiically takes the torch as Captain America, finding himself at the center of an international incident. This truly is a story of the people’s hero. You might recall that Wilson was introduced first as a counsellor, a veteran and this film will see how being a regular person with good intentions informs him in his new title.

We are thrilled to join the Film’s Global Press Conference. Gracing us today at the panel were:
Anthony Mackie – Sam Wilson / Captain America
Danny Ramirez – Joaquin Torres / Falcon
Harrison Ford – Thaddeus ‘Thunderbolt’ Ross / Red Hulk
Shira Haas – Ruth Bat-Seraph / Sabra
Giancarlo Esposito – Sidewinder
Xosha Roquemore – Leila Taylor
Tim Blake Nelson – Samuel Sterns / The Leader
Julius Onah – Director
Nate Moore – Producer
Kevin Feige – President and Chief Creative Officer of Marvel Studios

Anthony Mackie is asked about stepping into a leading role in the MCU for the first time here in CAPTAIN AMERICA: BRAVE NEW WORLD, taking the torch from Chris Evans’ Steve Rogers, reprising his longtime role as Sam Wilson.

Mackie: “The biggest thing for me was the first day on set. All these people I’ve known for a decade, and everyone just came up and said ‘congratulations’. Bob Moore who was my Dresser in The Winter Solider, Russell Bobbitt in Props… this was a family thing where we see character grow into fruition and get his moment to shine. I’m glad I was able to do it with friends and a host of stars I started with.”

Marvel‘s President and COO Kevin Feige comments on what the audience can expect in this upcoming release.

Feige: “This is all about Sam Wilson. We saw him last in Avengers: Endgame and we saw Steve Rogers pass the torch on and we wanted to continue that story. We’re always about bringing new characters to the MCU and with this amazing Cast you see before you, we did just that.”

Julius Onah who is known for films like Luce and The Cloverfield Paradox, steps-up to the big challenge here of directing a big Blockbuster. He speaks about this great opportunity.

Onah: “This means the world to me. Captain America always has been at heart of the MCU, and this story is very exciting, intense and emotional. I was very excited at the theme and that everyone at Marvel and this Cast lead into this with a notion of empathy. When you get to tell a story with that great a character theme and getting to direct a Cast like this, it’s amazing.”

Screen legend Harrison Ford also enters the MCU here as Red Hulk/Thaddeus ‘Thunderbolt’ Ross, taking the reins from the late William Hurt. He himself is a big fan of the MCU and talks to wanting to join it.

Ford: “I hope Red Hulk can come back in a story where he can develop into something other than Red Hulk. I think we have capacity to shapeshift between ‘Hulkness‘ and humanity, but that’s not my department! I am so happy with the opportunity to play in this playground. What an amazing group of people and an imagintative reality. I’m looking forward to having piece of the action.”

“I get to build upon what Bill [William] Hurt provided to the character and that world that Thunderbolt Ross has been a part of. I’ve watched Marvel movies and seen Actors I really liked and had a great time, I thought, ‘Hey, I want me some of that!'”

He comments on what he hopes the audience might take away from CAPTAIN AMERICA: BRAVE NEW WORLD, knowing well what audiences want to see in a big Blockbuster.

Ford: “It’s important the Film be something expertiential and it is important that the audience doesn’t know where it is taking them.”

Danny Ramirez joins the MCU here as Joaquin Torres/Falcon and talks about the great honour of being entrusted with taking over what his Co-Star Mackie has paved for him.

Ramirez: “It’s an honour to be entrusted to take over any mantle, especially one that Anthony Mackie has established. Just hearing stories of the letters he wrote Kevin [Feige] to bring him into universe. Getting the opportunity to walk into something established, which paralleled also much of my life, and getting to work with my heroes on-set, made being Joaquin so easy.”

Veteran actor Tim Blake Nelson gives a bit of detail about his role in this Film and why he only could’ve tackled it at this stage in his career.

Nelson: “I play Samuel Stern, in this version which isn’t the version I expected to play. I got to get better as an Actor thanks to Kevin [Feige], Nate [Moore] and Julius [Onah] and the Writers. They wrote a beautifully nuanced character that was a wonderful challenge to play, and not one I could’ve played 15 years ago because I don’t think I was the Actor that I am now. What we want to do as Actors is continue to grow. I needed this maturirty to play what they wrote. I’m incredibly grateful and had a great time with this phenomenal Cast.”

“Anthony has such a depth and soul as an Actor, but this applies to everyone on-screen. It’s great to be part of something great.”

Shira Haas has established herself as a name to watch after winning lots of acclaim in the series UNORTHODOX back in 2020. She talks about what her role here as Ruth Bat-Seraph/Sabra means for her.

Haas: “It was fun. It was really long, months of training, but thankfully, I love working-out and sports. But it was something else on a whole new level and a pleasure. Also starting to get into character and the MCU world is something very different for me and things I’ve done before. It is a gift for an Actor to do something different and to be a part of MCU world and this Film.”

Giancarlo Esposito also adds to this very stacked Cast in CAPTAIN AMERICA: BRAVE NEW WORLD, playing Sidewinder. He talks about what it is that appeals to him about the MCU, and particularly this project.

Esposito: “I feel honoured to join the MCU and to join a franchise with depth of intregrity. They are making films that mean something and also entertaining. But to me, the depth is in the relationships that create empathy, trust and suspicion. These elements are tantalizing to me. I’ve wanted to work with this group for a long time. What tickled me most is bringing a new character into this world.”

“I have a great depth of respect for Anthony [Mackie] as Captain America. He has charisma, leadership and morality. You can’t lead unless you can follow. Sam Wilson has been the guy in-line, watching behind the scenes and sees what the world become what it is. He chooses to be on the side of good. These elements are a part of my life and my growth.”

“There’s a depth of respect and playfulness. I identify with someone that I recognize and maybe something I could be. This is what makes great movies. The audience is gonna see this and relate on a level that helps them connect with families and other human beings.”

“This team is so mindful and that mindfulness shows the bigger picture of what this story is saying. This is enterainment, it’s gotta be fun and all these things play into elements that make me so proud to be a part of this project.”.

Marvel Studios Canada release CAPTAIN AMERICA: BRAVE NEW WORLD in theatres February 14, 2025.

Review here.

If there’s one thing that Toronto does well, it’s providing a backdrop for these American Holiday movies! In addition the Jonas Brothers filming their upcoming Holiday movie in-town, we make way for A MERRY LITTLE EX-MAS which begins production really soon, with a tentative mid-March wrap! But get this, this Romantic-Comedy brings out some very adored and familiar faces, including the likes of Alicia Silverstone, Oliver Hudson, Jameela Jamil, Pierson Fode and Melissa Joan Hart, who produces alongside her mother Paula Hart‘s Hartbreak Films!

Daddy Day Care Director Steve Carr directs this Netflix release, and based on their recent smash hits MEET ME NEXT CHRISTMAS and HOT FROSTY, both filmed here in Ontario, this already is on its way to duplicating a big recipe for success.

The Film centers on iconic Clueless star Silverstone, a woman separating from her husband, looking to spent one last Christmas in their family home with their kids before selling it off. Enter the picture, her ex-husband’s new girlfriend who makes this rather complicated. Done. Saved on My List already!

We got lucky and spotted both Silverstone and Hudson (from an immensely-talented family, calling Kate Hudson and Wyatt Russell siblings) around town. Did you know he even has a Podcast with Kate called Sibling Revelry? Super-stoked about this! Things have been quiet around town of late and this is just what the City needs!

Silverstone has been so amazing using her platform of late, to raise money for California Wildfire first responders. A true hero!

(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)

DOG MAN debuts with a loud bark, taking $33 million from 3,885 theatres in its opening for Universal Pictures! The adapted Animated Festure stars Pete Davidson and Lil Rel Howery.

COMPANION debuts in second with $10 million from 3,285 theatres for Warner Bros. The Drew Hancock Horror gets a fantastic 93% on the Tomatometer.

In third is MUFASA: THE LION KING with $7 million from 3,180 theatres for Disney, a total $230.4 million over seven weekends.

ONE OF THEM DAYS continues to find its footing in fourth with $6 million, taking it to $34.4 million for Sony Pictures.

Fifth is FLIGHT RISK with $5 million for Lionsgate/Cineplex Pictures, a tally of $20.3 million over two weekends.

Noah Centineo continues to be a burgeoning star, first bursting onto the scene in series THE FOSTERS, before becoming instantly recognizable from his work in the TO ALL THE BOYS film franchise on Netflix. With roles in Blockbusters like BLACK ADAM, he has propelled that success into a starring role in THE RECRUIT, its second season now streaming on Netflix. This new season sees his Owen Hendricks in some dangerous situations in South Korea and Past Lives‘ Teo Yoo also stars!

Centineo is no familiar to Toronto, having enjoyed TIFF here back in 2023 and he even had a role in Kristoffer Borgli‘s acclaimed DREAM SCENARIO (filmed here), alongside the likes of Nicolas Cage. He was in town for a day of press and was an amazing sport, taking some selfies with fans en route to a full day of interviews!

See some highlights:

(Photo/video credit: Netflix/Mr. Will Wong)